How to Clean Diarrhea from Carpet

Diarrhea---whether by pets or a leaky diaper---can stain carpet and requires immediate cleaning. Methods abound for cleaning messes from carpet, and you can use multiple means to eliminate and prevent stains. Common household supplies are usually sufficient for removing stains from carpet; however, specialized store-bought products can aid removal. Cleaning pet stains or human accidents from light-colored carpet is more difficult---and benefits from additional products---but the following method will help you clean diarrhea from carpet of most colors.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Latex gloves
• Plastic garbage bag
• Paper towels
• Water
• White distilled vinegar
• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner

1. Prepare yourself according to universal health precautions before cleaning bodily fluids. Place an open plastic bag directly beside the mess, and wear latex gloves.

2. Gather appropriate cleaning supplies, and prepare a mixture of equal parts water and white distilled vinegar. Having your supplies handy reduces time spent cleaning and the risk of spreading germs throughout your home.

3. Scoop up excess waste with paper towels, and avoid putting any pressure on the carpet while doing so. Place soiled paper towels into the plastic garbage bag as you work.

4. Pour the vinegar and water mixture onto the soiled area. You may want to test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness before use.

5. Blot up the solution from the carpet with paper towels, but do not rub the stain. Continue blotting until the towels absorb all liquid. Apply heavy pressure or stand on the towels to ensure removal of liquid.

6. If the stain persists, repeat the vinegar and water process.

7. Seal and dispose of the plastic garbage bag.

8. Sprinkle baking soda on the freshly cleaned area. Allow the baking soda to sit and absorb excess odors or liquids.

9. Vacuum the area when dry.

Tips & Warnings

• The quicker you attend to the mess, the smaller chance of a setting stain. For stubborn stains, try alternate methods of carpet cleaning. Add 2 scoops of powdered Oxy-Clean to a medium-sized mixing bowl of water to use in place of the vinegar and water mixture. Try a natural enzyme cleaner---such as BioKleen Bac Out---to break down stains and remove odors. For light-colored carpets, blot the stain with hydrogen peroxide. Test an inconspicuous area first.
• Do not scrub or rub the stain while cleaning, as this sets the stain into the fibers. Always test an inconspicuous area for colorfastness when using new solutions or products.

Resources

• Carpet Stain Removal Guide